WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 28th – Fr. Thomas
After careful examination, the doctor said to his patient, “Upon looking at the test results, I’m sorry to tell you that you have only a short time to live, perhaps only days. Is there anyone else you would like to see before you go?” “Yes,” said the patient, “I’d like to see another doctor.”
Even though we’re not ready to die, hopefully from a spiritual point of view, we’re prepared for whatever comes our way. God’s plan for our salvation required a sacrifice for our sins. Seeing the Risen Christ was enough for the women who went to the tomb and his disciples. They didn’t need to see anyone else.
When the world sees us, does it see the Risen Christ? Are we mirrors of God’s love to this sinful and broken world – like the mirror of Christ’s image that was left for Veronica on the cloth along the Way to the Cross? Not everyone is called to build bridges, but all can help narrow the gap. Jesus said to Thomas and to all of us, “Come, touch my wounds – and believe.” “Blessed are those who have not seen, but believe.”
NOTICES:
Weekly Offering for Week Ending 4/22/2023. Total $3,735.00. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference ($911.00)
Bunco. Our post-Easter Bunco party will be on May 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. If you haven’t played Bunco the St. David’s way, you’re missing out on big fun! Bring a dish to share – and we will have someone to watch the little ones. $10 per person, with 3 separate cash prizes – even if you lose! Honestly, where are you going to find that?! Hope to see you there!
Father Thomas’ Brunch Celebration is scheduled immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, June 4th at the Wanderers Club located at 1900 Aero Club Drive, Wellington. If you wish to give a donation, please contact Laurie Cohen at her email lscohen520@gmail.com or text or call her cell 561-252-9828.
Sandwiches for St. George’s. Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Prayer Books. There are large print Prayer Books in the narthex for your use during church service. Please return them after service.
Women’s Bible Study weekly meeting today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.
Bible Study. Beginning on Sunday, May 7th at 9:15 a.m. we will be beginning a Bible Study that is open to everyone of all ages. We are going to be studying the Gospel of John. The Gospel of John is considered the most symbolic, but also the most evocative (and sometimes, provocative) of the Gospels. So please stay after the 8 a.m. service or come early before the 10:00 a.m. service and join us as we dive into John’s words and discuss what they mean to us today. If you have any questions, please contact Jay Webber at jwebber@comcast.net.
Raffle Tickets. Please pick up your raffle tickets on the table in the narthex. Drawing on Sunday, May 21st.
MUG SUNDAY! Bring a mug to church on Sunday, April 30th to donate for coffee hour. We are going green and this will help get us to be more environmentally friendly. There will be a basket in the narthex to collect the mugs. Thank you for your donation.
Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Adrian, Alice, Amanda, Annette, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, Chester, David, Dee, Diana, Dolores, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Ella Falco, Donna Halle. For anniversary celebration: Charles and Jenifer Elmore. For our expectant mothers: Taylor and Bethany
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 14th – Fr. Thomas
I’m fond of reminding folks that our celebration of Easter is not simply a one day celebration, but a way of life. If we merely think of Jesus’ resurrection as the resuscitation of a dead man, we’re missing something; something amazing and significant. The Gospel accounts do not describe it as starting life over again. He was for the Jews, the “first fruits” of the harvest of those who had died. The Pharisees, for example, were looking forward to the return of God in their own time, but they would have been “taken aback” by Jesus’ appearance. Peter and James would have been startled too, but their faith would have compelled them to ask, “Where are the others?” Good question!
There’s a story about a man named Sam who died and left $50,000 in his will for an elaborate funeral. As the last attendees left, Sam’s wife, Rose tuned to her oldest friend, Sadie, and said, “Well, I’m sure Sam would have been pleased.” “I’m sure you’re right,” replied Sadie, who leaned in close and whispered, “Tell me, how much did it really cost?” “All of it,” said Rose, “$50,000.” “No!”, Sadie exclaimed, “I mean, it was very nice, but really, $50,000?” Rose nodded. The funeral home charged $6,500, I gave the church $500, the food and drinks cost another $500, and the remainder went towards the memorial stone.” Sadie computed the amount quickly and said, “$42,500 for a memorial stone? Exactly how big is it?” “Seven and a half carats.”
On the first Easter Sunday, Jesus rolled away the stone! What stones do we need to “roll away” from our lives in order to live the risen life of Christ? That “priceless” stone at Jesus’ tomb assures us of our entry into heaven if we follow that path that leads to everlasting life with those we love but see no longer, those who rest on another shore and in a greater light; for Christ is Risen, Alleluia! Amen!
NOTICES:
Bunco. Our post-Easter Bunco party will be on May 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. If you haven’t played Bunco the St. David’s way, you’re missing out on big fun! Bring a dish to share – and we will have someone to watch the little ones. $10 per person, with 3 separate cash prizes – even if you lose! Honestly, where are you going to find that?! Hope to see you there!
Newcomers Hospitality Hour is scheduled this Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the ECW. Please join us in welcoming our newcomers to St. David’s.
Weekly Offering for Week Ending 4/15/2023. Total $9,640.00. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference $4,994.00
Sandwiches for St. George’s. Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Prayer Books. There are large print Prayer Books in the narthex for your use during church service. Please return them after service.
Blood Drive This Sunday: Please consider being a hero to someone in need of blood. You can sign up to donate this Sunday morning at church using the link below, or sign up when you arrive at church. Donors receive a T-shirt and a $20 gift card. You can select from a wide variety of cards. Donors should have a good breakfast and hydrate. Thank you! Joyce 561-312-2719. https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1352911
Women’s Bible Study weekly meeting today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark Room.
Men’s Bible Study. Beginning on Sunday, May 7th at 9:15 a.m. we will be beginning a Bible Study that is open to everyone of all ages. We are going to be studying the Gospel of John. The Gospel of John is considered the most symbolic, but also the most evocative (and sometimes, provocative) of the Gospels. So please stay after the 8 a.m. service or come early before the 10:00 a.m. service and join us as we dive into John’s words and discuss what they mean to us today. If you have any questions, please contact Jay Webber at jwebber@comcast.net.
Raffle Tickets. Please pick up your raffle tickets on the table in the narthex.
MUG SUNDAY! Bring a mug to church on Sunday, April 30th to donate for coffee hour. We are going green and this will help get us to be more environmentally friendly. There will be a basket in the narthex to collect the mugs. Thank you for your donation.
Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We are looking for volunteer Sunday school teachers, anyone interested can contact Erin Thomas to learn more details, or contact the church office.
Recycle those plastic Easter Eggs! There will be a box in the narthex next weekend for you to drop off your empties. Thank you, Erin.
Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Adrian, Alice, Annette, Amanda, Annette, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Dee, Diana, Dolores, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For the departed: Sandra Richmond and Pat Curry. For birthday celebrations: Phyllis Gibbs-Thomas, Kathleen Lannaman, Blake Wolliston, Francis Morlu, John Algood, Therese Guillaume, Janice Jacques. For anniversary celebrations: Howard and Karen Brown, Daryl and Shelby Walcher. For our expectant mothers: Taylor and Bethany
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 14th – Fr. Thomas
Dear St. David’s Family,
In January 1991, I accepted the vestry’s call to become the third rector of St. David’s in the Pines Church. I remember someone saying at the time that “He’ll be gone in ten years.” Well, no one is more surprised than I that I’ve been your priest for over thirty-two years!
I will forever be grateful for the privilege of being your priest, pastor, and friend, and to be invited to share in so many important events in your lives, and those of your families. However, now the time has come to begin a new season in my own journey. My last Sunday as your Rector will be June 4, 2023.
There have been many times in these past years that I have “re-fallen” in love with St. David’s. I can’t thank you all enough for accompanying me along this journey. For those who recently “boarded the train,” please stay on board and greet the new challenges that lie ahead: to motivate people to be an integral part of the life of the Church and walk together into a deeper relationship with Jesus, and His Blessed Mother.
St. David’s has a bright future ahead, and I am confident that our vestry will choose an able and effective leader for the parish. Please pray for Erin and me, and we will continue to keep you in our prayers too. And always remember our mission: To Welcome Seekers, Form Disciples, and Send Apostles.
With deepest love and gratitude,
Father Thomas
NOTICES:
Weekly Offering for Week Ending 4/8/2023. Total $6,573.00. Average Weekly Budget $4,646.00. The difference $1,927.00.
Sandwiches for St. George’s. Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Daughters of the King.
Newcomers Coffee Hour is scheduled on Sunday, April 23rd immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the ECW. Please join us in welcoming our newcomers to St. David’s. RSVP to Linda McKeown 561-254-3902 by 4/20.
Blood Drive. Our next blood drive is scheduled on Sunday, April 23rd, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Please spread the word to family and friends. Questions? Contact Joyce at 561-312-2719.
Raffle Tickets. Please pick up your raffle tickets on the table in the narthex.
Prayer Books. There are large print Prayer Books in the narthex for your use during church service. Please return them after service.
MUG SUNDAY! Bring a mug to church on Sunday, April 30th to donate for coffee hour. We are going green and this will help get us to be more environmentally friendly. There will be a basket in the narthex to collect the mugs. Thank you for your donation.
Recycle those plastic Easter Eggs! There will be a box in the narthex next weekend for you to drop off your empties. Thank you, Erin.
Forward Day by Day brochures for next quarter are now available in the narthex. Donation $3.00.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Adrian, Alice, Annette, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Emma Torres, Michelle Gardner, Erin Thomas, Patricia Burke, Vince Bianco. For anniversary celebrations: David and Leila South, Walter and Georgette Dzubiak, Rudy and Pat Bernard, Victor and Jeanne Champagne. For our expectant mothers: Taylor and Bethany.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
WEEKLY RECTOR’S MESSAGE – April 7th – Fr. Thomas
We all know that Sunday in our Western calendar is the first day of the week because that’s the day on which Jesus rose from the dead. For Jews, as you are aware, Saturday is the Sabbath Day when God “rested” from His six days of creation. The message here is that Jesus’ resurrection “re-creates” life in various forms when we realize that conversion involves a fresh start from the past; leaving behind the sins, doubts, faults of the past and waking henceforth into that new life of Jesus’ Resurrection. In the words of the 19th c. English Cardinal John Henry Newman, “Fear not that your life shall come to an end, but rather that it shall never have a beginning.” In other words, having walked the “Way of the Cross” during Holy Week, are we now willing to “Go the distance in the way that leads to everlasting life?”
What looked like a terminal situation on a Friday, became Good News early on Sunday. “O Death, where is thy sting; O grave, where is thy victory?” We are Christians not simply because we believe that Jesus rose from the dead, but because we believe that we shall rise too. For those who love God never meet for the last time. This is the hope we hold onto; the hope we offer to a world hungry for some good news. And there is no other message worth preaching in cancer hostels and funeral homes. If we don’t have this hope, then what are we putting into our spiritual IRA? What are we betting our life on? For in Thee O Lord, life is changed, not ended. Yet even at the grave we make our song, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA, ALLEUIA. CHRIST HAS DIED, CHRIST IS RISEN, CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN.
NOTICES:
Sandwiches for St. George’s. Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot each Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the Vestry. Next Sunday will be hosted by the Daughters of the King.
Coffee hour is scheduled after the 8:00 a.m. service the first Sunday of each month.
No Sunday school this Sunday.
Tuesdays: Holy Eucharist 8:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Adrian, Alice, Amanda, Annette, Barbara, Beth, Carol, Carolyn, David, Diana, Donna, Dorothy, Doris, Doug, Dudley, Ezra, Gina, Grace, Jacob, James, Jayden, Jeanne, Jill, Joaquin, Jory, Kenzie, Manuel, Michael, Miguel, Parker, Patricia, Predrag, Rachel, Robin, Ron, Rosie, Scott, Sharon, Shelly, Steve, Sue, Susan, Theresa, Tracy, Vernetta, Violet, William, Woody. For birthday celebrations: Dale Pugliese, Gabriel Falco. For anniversary celebration: Matthew and Marie Hogan. For our expectant mothers: Rebecca, Alexandra, Taylor and Bethany.
Our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintDavidsinthePinesWellingtonFL
